BANGKOK, July 30 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva today revoked the imposition of state of emergency in six provinces, leaving 10 provinces including Bangkok, still under emergency rule.

The six provinces are Ayutthaya (Central), Chonburi (Eastern), Nongbualamphu, Mukdaharn and Chaiyaphum (all three in Northeastern).

The revocation of emergency decree in the six provinces was made, following improved security situation which enabled the police to manage law and order in those areas.

Apart from Bangkok, emergency decree was still being enforced in Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Smut Prakan.

The state of emergency was declared in Bangkok on April 7 and extended to 23 other provinces initially, following a spate of anti-government protests and unrest.

It has been gradually revoked and the current emergency decree in the 10 provinces was extended since July 6, for another three months until early October.

Last Sunday's bombing attack at a bus-stop in front of a supermarket in the city centre that killed one civilian and injured 10 others, has blasted hopes for the revocation of the decree in this capital.

There were calls from non-governmental organisations, opposition, business community and tourism industry players for the revocation of the emergency rule which they claimed had hindered economic and tourism growth, apart from affecting the government reconciliation plan.

Except for last Sunday's bombing incident, normalcy has returned in this country with government offices, schools, banks, businesses and public transportation operating as usual.

The sight of armed troops manning every corner of roads no longer exists even though the 10 provinces, including Bangkok, were still under a state of emergency.

At the height of the emergency rule, curfew was imposed last time.

-- BERNAMA